flexi time

Re: flexi time

Nicola Oliver — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:25:59 GMT

For some reason vet practices are often difficult about maternity leave and returning to work. In my last practice new mothers coming back had tons of problems and one of the nurses had to come back as a receptionist because she couldn't do as many hours and they didn't want another part time nurse. It all seems ridiculous and so unfair, surely your employer can't make you do hours that are impossible for you because then it is almost forcing you to leave??

Good luck with the pregnancy and hope all goes well. I'm sure this is added stress you just don't need at the moment.

Re: flexi time

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:50:09 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]You have no legal right to a change of hours[/quote]

I dont know if that is strictly true either... I think that if you have a staff quota of over 20, then you can request a change in hours if coming back off maternity leave no problems.. I might be wrong.... but I dont think so!

Re: flexi time

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:36:11 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]and the opinions of the other nurses is irrelevant[/quote]

I am not sure that is strictly true..... after all if you want harmony within a practice, what other nurse think and feel go a long way to a happy practice.... and this includes, a change in rotas... if they are willing to do this and all is above board legality wise... ie change in contracts, then I dont see a problem personally. If these guys are willing, but the boss is not, and its not gonna cost him extra.... then there may even be a case for constructive dismissal IMO!

We have had a few pregnancies at work and girls coming back after maternity either not wanting night shifts, or not wanting weekend work etc.... we or should I say the HN has been consulted, and we have managed to accomodate them all and all their requests... lets face it good nurses are hard to find, and a good night nurse even harder, so maybe the bosses might not want to cut off their noses to spite their faces.

After all team work , is what we are always saying in this job, so where is the team spirit if you cant accomodate someone... it might just be you one day .. thats what I say anyway.

Re: flexi time

Steph Phillips — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:38:19 GMT

dont think anyone can give a bad reference! http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/money-and-legal/references if they do, bloody sue them - after all, you are now a working mum working around your child!

I went through something similar when my son started school (was 7yrs ago & i cant remember how i found out!!) - i have no one to take him or collect him from school - so i requested i start at 9.30 (instead of 9) and leave for an hour to pick him up.. they had to agree - if they didn't they knew i'd find a different job that could suit a school run - and they didn't want to loose me, or get a new member of staff - if they didnt agree, they'd have to get rid of me, then I colud sue for unfair dismissal (along those lines if i remember rightly!)

Plus.. Your employer would have to cover you while you are on maternity leave anyway - (so whats a few extra hours in my opinion) and they HAVE to leave your job open for you when your ready to return to work!

Times might have changed now, so everything I wrote could now be wrong .. but dont let it get you down, like I said.. you wil be a working mum, I'm sure there are rights out there!

Congratualtions on the pregnancy too hope everything goes well for you.. and your job!

Re: flexi time

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:57:58 GMT

You have no legal right to a change of hours, and the opinions of the other nurses is irrelevant. The boss simply has to hear your request - if they decide not to allow any changes, that is up to them. I think it is unlikely an appeal will gain you anything except a bad reference for your next employer.

Sorry!

Re: flexi time

Fiona Leathers — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:27:23 GMT

I don't know much about the legalities of flexi but the way I understood was your boss had to consider it but if they could come up with a valid reason for not doing it, then they didn't have to give you it. Which looks like it has happened here.

As for appeal, lay your case out, stating that other nurses are keen to do more hours, but realise this may not be feasible do to working time directives.

Although it seems like a good idea at the time, but what happens when the other nurses can't do the extra hours or when someone is off sick or on holiday - it is a lot of time to get covered!

You won't lose anything from appealing but you may get a few backs up!!